Find Your Village

 Do you ever wonder when you are sitting in traffic or on the train, what the people around you lives are like? I do. All the time. The human condition fascinates me, how people tick and what make them tick.

 It’s like thinking about the world – and then thinking how were are in our galaxy, then the universe. Once you start thinking about it, it gets bigger and bigger. Same, with people. It just gets bigger and bigger when you stop and think about it.

 And then you break it down, like right down to your own immediate circle. The family and the friends that are in your own life. What makes them be who they are? What are their trigger points? What adversities have they encountered to get them to that point where you see them today?

 So where am I going with all of this? Good question!

I am so fortunate that I am surrounded by some of the most amazing people. From all walks of life, all with their own stories of triumph and despairs. Some, are close around me and some live on different corners of the globe. The people that I lean on the most, whether that be for comfort, sharing successes or just love, are truly extraordinary.

So what is solidarity? To me, it means unity. It means support. It means having empathy – whether you completely understand someone’s situation or not.

And I’ve observed even within myself a slow growth and understand and peace that have come through allowing an open-ness with the ones around me. It has been cathartic to say the least.

Whether you have that circle, your own sisterhood, man- gang, crew, whatever you wish to call them – I urge you to allow yourself the ability to be open to it. To treat others the way you would be want to be treated. You would be surprised as to how much care and love people have for you, once you open up to it. I have found my own experience of the friendships that I have, to be humbling and as I get older, I hold them all dear to my heart.

 They are all, my beloved.

 You will during your lifetime, come across friendships of all facets. Some will be a reason, a season or a lifetime. And they are all okay. Really. Try to look back on the ones for a season or reason with fondness, just because they aren’t there anymore, doesn’t mean that your times together was not amazing or meaningful.

 

Like this gentleman.

 

 

He popped into my life only for about half an hr. This man, getting on the closer side of 95 years of age, taught me adventure. Through his brief conversation and meeting, I was shown life through the eyes or a person that travelled and had amazing experiences. There was a lot of love in those eyes and a sparkle that I hope to emulate if I am ever lucky enough to live the years that he has.

My friendship with this man was brief but so meaningful.

 

And then I have all these amazing women in my life. That have taught me so much in acceptance, non-judgment, hilarity and kindness. I have a village around me that makes me feel so blessed.

 

So blessed.

Your village may change over time. Your village may encompass different villagers over the years or may stay the same. Love em. And be loved back.

 When you find your village, it is pretty freaking amazing.